1. What are some of the previous research projects you have done?
We have done projects in Social Studies where we researched people and events in the past. We have also done projects like the Labyrinth, where we learned about the purpose of labyrinths and made our own. Last year we made a Louisiana history board game. My most recent project was a speech and presentation board on music censorship for Religion class. All of these assignments required research to gather information to put together the final project.
2. Based on these projects, what does research mean to you?
Research, to me, means that you go to several different sources to gather information. Then you think about what you found and how it is relevant to your opinion or view on the subject. Using what you have learned, you form a conclusion which you can present to others to help them learn as well.
3. Describe one of your research successes or failures. Why was the experience positive or negative?
Last year, we did not have enough good, legitimate sources to get information for our Louisiana History project, so we didn't learn the information well. Our topic wasn't clear and that showed in our final presentation, which made it a negative experience. However, we learned from our mistake and did well later in the year on other projects. For the Labyrinth Project, I worked with a group that didn't cooperate very smoothly. The work load was not shared equally. It didn't bother me as much as it did the other members of my group, but it matters that they feel comfortable so that we can do the best work possible. I had a positive experience with my Religion project. I planned ahead so that I would have time to finish everything by the due date, and I researched thoroughly. I think I presented it well and I had a good response from the class. It was also a topic that I was interested in (we chose our topics) so I think it was easier for that reason. And since I'm choosing my topic for my I-Search it should be fun to research as well.
Teacher Response March 14
Yes! planning ahead is a wonderful thing! I am so sorry that your previous research experience has not been positive. Your grade is 10/10.
Mrs. D
Entry 2 - 3/15/07
1. I think the webbing process helped/did not help me find a topic because:
I think it did help because I could get more information on topics I was already interested in doing for my I-Search project. It also helped me to compare all the topics I was considering and choose the best one. However, the technology wasn't as cooperative - my laptop was extremely slow and it is taking up a lot of class time just logging on. But nevertheless, my research is going well.
Teacher Response March 15
I am so sorry that the hardware gave you trouble. The laptops are quite old and need to be replaced.
Entry 3 - 3/15/07
1. Topic:
I chose between The Mayan Civilization, Florence in the time of the Renaissance, and Jesus. I chose to do my paper on Jesus.
2. Why you chose it:
I chose to write about Jesus for a number of reasons. First of all, he is considered the messiah for people of the Christian faith, which is a pretty big deal. Second, those who don't believe he was the messiah think he was a prophet. Prophets led very important lives. Finally, he was a pretty important historical figure and caused lots of change around the world, even if not everyone agrees when it comes to who he actually was. But who doesn't love controversy? I think Jesus is a very interesting topic, and that makes him a worthy candidate for the subject of my paper.
3. What you already know about your topic:
I already know basic information from Bible passages and school about Jesus, and there is information in my textbook. I am looking forward to learning more and writing my paper.
Teacher Response March 16
Your grade is 20/20.
Entry 4 - 3/16/07
1. Brainstorm a list of questions related to your topic.
When was Jesus born?
Where was he born?
Who were his parents?
Does his name mean anything special/important?
Was "Jesus" a common name then?
When did he die?
Where did he die?
How did he die?
Was Jesus married?
Did he have children?
If so, who were they?
Where did he live?
What was his childhood and early life like?
What was a typical adult's daily life like in that time?
How was Jesus's life different from a typical adult's?
Was his family religious?
What kind of leader was Jesus?
Why do/did we think he is/was so important?
Why do people think he’s the Messiah?
Who thinks he is the Messiah?
What qualified him as the Messiah, and no one else?
What was the Messiah supposed to be like?
Who doesn't think he is the Messiah?
Why don't they believe that he is the Messiah?
If he's not the Messiah, who is?
What kinds of things did Jesus teach people about?
What motivated him to devote his life to teaching God's word to the sinners of the earth?
Scientifically, could any of the miracles he performed have actually happened?
If not, why do people believe it?
When did people begin to believe in Jesus as their savior - during his life or after his death?
Obviously, Jesus was a religious pioneer. Did he make any political or economical changes in his lifetime?
What were some of the major things that Jesus did to change the world?
Does Jesus's life still affect us today?
If so, how much does it affect us?
Does it affect us more so than during his lifetime?
What was religion like before Jesus?
What was religion like during the Renaissance?
If Jesus was human, was he the Son of God?
BIG GIGANTIC FAT QUESTION: Who was Jesus?
Entry 5 - 3/16/07
1. Describe how the pre-notetaking sheet helped you find both focus for your topic and research questions to investigate. Did you find it easy or difficult to create a fat question from your ideas?
The pre-notetaking sheet helped me realize that my topic is extremely broad, despite it being merely one person. I know that I have a lot of information to research, not to mention the fact that there are so many different opinions on Jesus and who he really was, which is my fat question. Also, some of my questions may push the envelope slightly when it comes to being respectful of religion and not questioning God. However, I believe that we will never really find what is true unless we question what is not so. Therefore, I will ask questions that may not be easy to answer. Some I may not be able to answer. Religion is something that may never be completely cleared up, and not everyone agrees on what is true and what is not. Also, it hard to answer some of my questions that concern times and dates, because years (BC, AD, etc.) are directly related to Jesus's birth. Due to the fact that we don't know exactly when he ws born, these questions can only be answered somewhat accurately. It was hard to create a fat question that covered my entire topic. I decided that my fat question would be "Who was Jesus?". This encompasses everything from "Where was he born?" and "Where did he live?" to "Why was he so important?" and "How does his life still affect us today?" I think that my fat question is complicated. There are different levels of questions within my fat question, from extremely skinny questions to very deep inquisitions that can only be answered after a certain period of self-contemplation and thought. I think this will make for a very interesting and insightful paper. All killer, no filler.
Teacher Response March 20
Wow! What a big, fat question. It is also such a touchy subject. I think you will find it both interesting and frustrating. Good luck. I know that you can handle this topic. 20/20.
Entry 6 - 3/20/07
1. What have I learned today?
Today I learned how to make note cards in Noodle Bib. I still think that Noodle Bib is confusing (as well as Net Snippets). However, I suppose it is the best way to take notes and cite my sources for the time being. Sadly, I didn't learn much about my topic because I spent so much time haggling with Noodle Bib and trying to cite my databases. I think I would consider Noodle Bib a setback in my research due to the fact that it doesn't allow for class time to be used efficiently.
2. What problems have I had?
Again, I think that Noodle Bib and Net Snippets are both inefficient. (I do prefer Noodle Bib over Net Snippets, though.) I prefer the old-fashioned approach to notes (call me crazy) - a pen and paper. Shocking, right? (I will also use Microsoft Word if I need to.) I don't really see too much of a point when it comes to citing sources. I believe that trying to take credit for work and going as far as to force people, legally, to put your name on the work is kind of selfish. I think that all the information in the world is to be shared, not claimed as one's own. If you didn't make up Jesus's life, don't try to put your name on a timeline. (And anyway, whenever the bibliography comes out on Noodle Bib it makes no sense whatsoever. Get over it - no one really cares what doctor or historian or whoever made what. At least I don't. But that may be merely my innocent, unworldly self speaking. So excuse me. Anyway, it frustrates me when I have to spend more time citing my work than actually doing it, that's all.
3. How will I overcome the problem(s)?
I will try to restrain my fury when it comes to technology. I will be patient while trying to learn of the complicacies of these programs. I will accept that I must do this work. I will breathe. I am going to see if there is a faster, more efficient way to work in Noodle Bib. That would really help.
4. What will I do next?
I will continue my research, hoping to find answers to my skinny questions that I can use for my final report, in which I will attempt to find an answer to my fat question: Who was Jesus? Teacher Response March 21
Do you really feel that using word is a better way for you to keep track of your notes? If so, then by all means, try it. Oh, copyright doesn't frustrate me. It just confuses me. 10/10
Entry 7 - 3/21/07
1. What have I learned today?
Today I worked on finding books in the library and citing them in Noodle Bib. I found a really awesome book that is all about Jesus and Christianity. I think it will help to answer a good number of my skinny questions. In Noodle Bib, after I cite the book/website and paraphrase I go under "personal ideas". Then I write the question that the information will help me answer and the answer I got from it.
2. What problems have I had?
I still spend way too much time trying to get everything cited and less time reading the book. And my book is about an inch thick, filled with really good information. So I do need time to read through at least some of it. And that's not really happening in class, so it's making me really aware of how inefficient Noodle Bib is. But I suppose using any program would take that much time, so I just blame it on the fact that we have to cite our sources. Which still frustrates me but I won't get into that again.
3. How will I overcome the problem(s)?
I'm still working on citing my sources in Noodle Bib faster. I don't think it will get much better than it is now, though, so I'll have to make do with what I have.
4. What will I do next?
I will continue to research and read in my book to find information and answers to my skinny questions.
Teacher Response March 22
I am sorry that someone has vandalized your wiki. Her grade will be affected. 10/10.
Entry 8 - 3/22/07
1. What have I learned today?
I have gathered more information and answered more of my questions. I learned about Jesus' lineage and his birth, and I worked more in Noodle Bib.
2. What problems have I had?
I found it extremely annoying that when I had to cite my book I had to copy down the paragraphs that I got my information from. I think it took up way too much of my time. Due to the fact that I had to spend so much class time citing my sources, finding books, looking through the books for passages that answered my questions, writing them down, answering the questions, etc. I haven't been able to finish answering many of my questions. I am nowhere near being able to answer my fat question. I think that my topic is very broad and takes a lot of time to research. There are so many different versions of what happened, and no one really knows for sure. And I have around 40 questions, and I have only answered 10 or so. It will definitely take more time to research and answer questions. I don't know if that will need to happen outside of class, but it does need to happen if I want to be able to answer my fat question.
3. How will I overcome the problem(s)?
I will definitely be taking more notes from websites and databases so that I don't have to copy pages out of the book anymore. Although my book has some good information, I think it is taking up way too much time. I won't be able to get all my notes and citations in time to write my paper if I spend that much time copying passages out of the book.
4. What will I do next?
I am going to keep researching in the databases and websites to find answers to more of my questions.
1. What are some of the previous research projects you have done?
We have done projects in Social Studies where we researched people and events in the past. We have also done projects like the Labyrinth, where we learned about the purpose of labyrinths and made our own. Last year we made a Louisiana history board game. My most recent project was a speech and presentation board on music censorship for Religion class. All of these assignments required research to gather information to put together the final project.
2. Based on these projects, what does research mean to you?
Research, to me, means that you go to several different sources to gather information. Then you think about what you found and how it is relevant to your opinion or view on the subject. Using what you have learned, you form a conclusion which you can present to others to help them learn as well.
3. Describe one of your research successes or failures. Why was the experience positive or negative?
Last year, we did not have enough good, legitimate sources to get information for our Louisiana History project, so we didn't learn the information well. Our topic wasn't clear and that showed in our final presentation, which made it a negative experience. However, we learned from our mistake and did well later in the year on other projects. For the Labyrinth Project, I worked with a group that didn't cooperate very smoothly. The work load was not shared equally. It didn't bother me as much as it did the other members of my group, but it matters that they feel comfortable so that we can do the best work possible. I had a positive experience with my Religion project. I planned ahead so that I would have time to finish everything by the due date, and I researched thoroughly. I think I presented it well and I had a good response from the class. It was also a topic that I was interested in (we chose our topics) so I think it was easier for that reason. And since I'm choosing my topic for my I-Search it should be fun to research as well.
Teacher Response March 14
Yes! planning ahead is a wonderful thing! I am so sorry that your previous research experience has not been positive. Your grade is 10/10.
Mrs. D
Entry 2 - 3/15/07
1. I think the webbing process helped/did not help me find a topic because:
I think it did help because I could get more information on topics I was already interested in doing for my I-Search project. It also helped me to compare all the topics I was considering and choose the best one. However, the technology wasn't as cooperative - my laptop was extremely slow and it is taking up a lot of class time just logging on. But nevertheless, my research is going well.
Teacher Response March 15
I am so sorry that the hardware gave you trouble. The laptops are quite old and need to be replaced.
Entry 3 - 3/15/07
1. Topic:
I chose between The Mayan Civilization, Florence in the time of the Renaissance, and Jesus. I chose to do my paper on Jesus.
2. Why you chose it:
I chose to write about Jesus for a number of reasons. First of all, he is considered the messiah for people of the Christian faith, which is a pretty big deal. Second, those who don't believe he was the messiah think he was a prophet. Prophets led very important lives. Finally, he was a pretty important historical figure and caused lots of change around the world, even if not everyone agrees when it comes to who he actually was. But who doesn't love controversy? I think Jesus is a very interesting topic, and that makes him a worthy candidate for the subject of my paper.
3. What you already know about your topic:
I already know basic information from Bible passages and school about Jesus, and there is information in my textbook. I am looking forward to learning more and writing my paper.
Teacher Response March 16
Your grade is 20/20.
Entry 4 - 3/16/07
1. Brainstorm a list of questions related to your topic.
- When was Jesus born?
- Where was he born?
- Who were his parents?
- Does his name mean anything special/important?
- Was "Jesus" a common name then?
- When did he die?
- Where did he die?
- How did he die?
- Was Jesus married?
- Did he have children?
- If so, who were they?
- Where did he live?
- What was his childhood and early life like?
- What was a typical adult's daily life like in that time?
- How was Jesus's life different from a typical adult's?
- Was his family religious?
- What kind of leader was Jesus?
- Why do/did we think he is/was so important?
- Why do people think he’s the Messiah?
- Who thinks he is the Messiah?
- What qualified him as the Messiah, and no one else?
- What was the Messiah supposed to be like?
- Who doesn't think he is the Messiah?
- Why don't they believe that he is the Messiah?
- If he's not the Messiah, who is?
- What kinds of things did Jesus teach people about?
- What motivated him to devote his life to teaching God's word to the sinners of the earth?
- Scientifically, could any of the miracles he performed have actually happened?
- If not, why do people believe it?
- When did people begin to believe in Jesus as their savior - during his life or after his death?
- Obviously, Jesus was a religious pioneer. Did he make any political or economical changes in his lifetime?
- What were some of the major things that Jesus did to change the world?
- Does Jesus's life still affect us today?
- If so, how much does it affect us?
- Does it affect us more so than during his lifetime?
- What was religion like before Jesus?
- What was religion like during the Renaissance?
- If Jesus was human, was he the Son of God?
BIG GIGANTIC FAT QUESTION: Who was Jesus?Entry 5 - 3/16/07
1. Describe how the pre-notetaking sheet helped you find both focus for your topic and research questions to investigate. Did you find it easy or difficult to create a fat question from your ideas?
The pre-notetaking sheet helped me realize that my topic is extremely broad, despite it being merely one person. I know that I have a lot of information to research, not to mention the fact that there are so many different opinions on Jesus and who he really was, which is my fat question. Also, some of my questions may push the envelope slightly when it comes to being respectful of religion and not questioning God. However, I believe that we will never really find what is true unless we question what is not so. Therefore, I will ask questions that may not be easy to answer. Some I may not be able to answer. Religion is something that may never be completely cleared up, and not everyone agrees on what is true and what is not. Also, it hard to answer some of my questions that concern times and dates, because years (BC, AD, etc.) are directly related to Jesus's birth. Due to the fact that we don't know exactly when he ws born, these questions can only be answered somewhat accurately. It was hard to create a fat question that covered my entire topic. I decided that my fat question would be "Who was Jesus?". This encompasses everything from "Where was he born?" and "Where did he live?" to "Why was he so important?" and "How does his life still affect us today?" I think that my fat question is complicated. There are different levels of questions within my fat question, from extremely skinny questions to very deep inquisitions that can only be answered after a certain period of self-contemplation and thought. I think this will make for a very interesting and insightful paper. All killer, no filler.
Teacher Response March 20
Wow! What a big, fat question. It is also such a touchy subject. I think you will find it both interesting and frustrating. Good luck. I know that you can handle this topic. 20/20.
Entry 6 - 3/20/07
1. What have I learned today?
Today I learned how to make note cards in Noodle Bib. I still think that Noodle Bib is confusing (as well as Net Snippets). However, I suppose it is the best way to take notes and cite my sources for the time being. Sadly, I didn't learn much about my topic because I spent so much time haggling with Noodle Bib and trying to cite my databases. I think I would consider Noodle Bib a setback in my research due to the fact that it doesn't allow for class time to be used efficiently.
2. What problems have I had?
Again, I think that Noodle Bib and Net Snippets are both inefficient. (I do prefer Noodle Bib over Net Snippets, though.) I prefer the old-fashioned approach to notes (call me crazy) - a pen and paper. Shocking, right? (I will also use Microsoft Word if I need to.) I don't really see too much of a point when it comes to citing sources. I believe that trying to take credit for work and going as far as to force people, legally, to put your name on the work is kind of selfish. I think that all the information in the world is to be shared, not claimed as one's own. If you didn't make up Jesus's life, don't try to put your name on a timeline. (And anyway, whenever the bibliography comes out on Noodle Bib it makes no sense whatsoever. Get over it - no one really cares what doctor or historian or whoever made what. At least I don't. But that may be merely my innocent, unworldly self speaking. So excuse me. Anyway, it frustrates me when I have to spend more time citing my work than actually doing it, that's all.
3. How will I overcome the problem(s)?
I will try to restrain my fury when it comes to technology. I will be patient while trying to learn of the complicacies of these programs. I will accept that I must do this work. I will breathe. I am going to see if there is a faster, more efficient way to work in Noodle Bib. That would really help.
4. What will I do next?
I will continue my research, hoping to find answers to my skinny questions that I can use for my final report, in which I will attempt to find an answer to my fat question: Who was Jesus?
Teacher Response March 21
Do you really feel that using word is a better way for you to keep track of your notes? If so, then by all means, try it. Oh, copyright doesn't frustrate me. It just confuses me. 10/10
Entry 7 - 3/21/07
1. What have I learned today?
Today I worked on finding books in the library and citing them in Noodle Bib. I found a really awesome book that is all about Jesus and Christianity. I think it will help to answer a good number of my skinny questions. In Noodle Bib, after I cite the book/website and paraphrase I go under "personal ideas". Then I write the question that the information will help me answer and the answer I got from it.
2. What problems have I had?
I still spend way too much time trying to get everything cited and less time reading the book. And my book is about an inch thick, filled with really good information. So I do need time to read through at least some of it. And that's not really happening in class, so it's making me really aware of how inefficient Noodle Bib is. But I suppose using any program would take that much time, so I just blame it on the fact that we have to cite our sources. Which still frustrates me but I won't get into that again.
3. How will I overcome the problem(s)?
I'm still working on citing my sources in Noodle Bib faster. I don't think it will get much better than it is now, though, so I'll have to make do with what I have.
4. What will I do next?
I will continue to research and read in my book to find information and answers to my skinny questions.
Teacher Response March 22
I am sorry that someone has vandalized your wiki. Her grade will be affected. 10/10.
Entry 8 - 3/22/07
1. What have I learned today?
I have gathered more information and answered more of my questions. I learned about Jesus' lineage and his birth, and I worked more in Noodle Bib.
2. What problems have I had?
I found it extremely annoying that when I had to cite my book I had to copy down the paragraphs that I got my information from. I think it took up way too much of my time. Due to the fact that I had to spend so much class time citing my sources, finding books, looking through the books for passages that answered my questions, writing them down, answering the questions, etc. I haven't been able to finish answering many of my questions. I am nowhere near being able to answer my fat question. I think that my topic is very broad and takes a lot of time to research. There are so many different versions of what happened, and no one really knows for sure. And I have around 40 questions, and I have only answered 10 or so. It will definitely take more time to research and answer questions. I don't know if that will need to happen outside of class, but it does need to happen if I want to be able to answer my fat question.
3. How will I overcome the problem(s)?
I will definitely be taking more notes from websites and databases so that I don't have to copy pages out of the book anymore. Although my book has some good information, I think it is taking up way too much time. I won't be able to get all my notes and citations in time to write my paper if I spend that much time copying passages out of the book.
4. What will I do next?
I am going to keep researching in the databases and websites to find answers to more of my questions.